1.Who coined the term Ecology? 2.

Give example for

freshwater and saline water lakes? 3.What is ecosystem?
4.Write Lindemans 10% law? 5.What is biological
diversity? 6.What is biodiversity hotspot? 7.What is kyoto
protocol? 8.Define Pollution? Please Give Me The Correct
Answer For These Questions
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1.The term Ecology was coined by Ernst
Haeckel.

2.Examples of:

○ Freshwater lakes: Lake Superior, Lake

Baikal
○ Saline water lakes: Caspian Sea, Great
Salt Lake
3.An ecosystem is a geographic area where
plants, animals, and other organisms, as well as
weather and landscape, work together to form a
bubble of life.

4.Lindeman's 10% Law states that only about 10%

of the energy available at one trophic level is
transferred to the next trophic level. In other
 words, as energy flows through a food chain, the
amount of usable energy decreases at each
trophic level.

5.Biological diversity is the variety of life on Earth

at all levels, from genes to species to
ecosystems.

6.A biodiversity hotspot is a region with a high

concentration of endemic species and a
significant threat to habitat loss. Examples
include the Western Ghats of India and the
Atlantic Forest of Brazil.

7.The Kyoto Protocol is an international treaty that

sets binding emission reduction targets for
developed countries. It was adopted in Kyoto,
Japan, on December 11, 1997 and entered into
force on February 16, 2005.

8.Pollution is the introduction of harmful materials

into the environment. These harmful materials
can be chemical, biological, or physical.
Sec-B: Understanding Our Ecosystem

1.Classifying Ecosystem Components:

Ecosystems can be broadly classified into two
components:

○ Biotic Components: These are the living

organisms within the ecosystem, including
plants, animals, microbes, and
decomposers. They can be further
categorized based on their feeding habits:

■ Producers: (Autotrophs) Organisms

that capture energy from sunlight
(photosynthesis) or inorganic chemicals
(chemosynthesis) and produce organic
matter. (e.g., Plants, algae)
■ Consumers: (Heterotrophs) Organisms
that obtain energy by consuming
organic matter produced by producers
or other consumers. (e.g., Herbivores,
carnivores, omnivores)
■ Decomposers: Break down dead
organic matter and return nutrients to
the ecosystem. (e.g., Fungi, bacteria)
 ○ Abiotic Components: These are the
nonliving physical and chemical factors that
influence the ecosystem. Examples include:

■ Sunlight: Provides energy for

producers.
■ Temperature: Affects the metabolic
rates of organisms.
■ Water: Essential for all living things.
■ Minerals: Required by producers for
photosynthesis and by consumers for
growth and development.
■ Soil: Provides habitat and nutrients for
plants.
2.Estuary Ecosystem Characteristics: Estuaries
are unique ecosystems where freshwater from
rivers mixes with saltwater from the ocean. They
have several characteristic features:

○ Salinity: Varies along the estuary from

freshwater at the river mouth to saline near
the ocean.
 ○ Nutrients: Rich in nutrients due to riverine
input and tidal mixing, making them highly
productive ecosystems.
○ Plants: Adapted to fluctuating salinity levels,
such as salt marshes and mangroves.
○ Animals: Diverse, including fish, shellfish,
birds, and marine mammals that utilize the
estuary for feeding, breeding, or nursery
grounds.
3.Energy Flow Properties:

○ One-way flow: Energy enters the

ecosystem through sunlight captured by
producers and cannot be recycled.
○ Energy Loss: At each trophic level (feeding
level) in a food chain, about 80-90% of
energy is lost as heat due to cellular
respiration. This is explained by Lindeman's
10% Law.
○ Limited Transfers: Energy can only flow
through a limited number of trophic levels
(typically 4-5) before becoming unavailable.
4.Ecological Pyramids: These are graphical
representations of energy flow or biomass (total
 amount of living matter) at different trophic
levels. There are two main types:

○ Energy Pyramid: Shows the decreasing

amount of energy available at each trophic
level.
○ Biomass Pyramid: Typically upright in most
ecosystems, depicting the largest biomass
at the producer level and decreasing at
higher trophic levels. However, in some
cases, like deep oceans, inverted pyramids
can occur.
5.Deforestation's Impact on Ecosystems:
Deforestation has numerous detrimental effects:

○ Habitat Loss: Destroys homes and

breeding grounds for plants and animals,
leading to biodiversity loss.
○ Soil Erosion: Without trees to hold the soil,
it washes away, reducing nutrients and
productivity.
○ Water Cycle Disruption: Trees play a vital
role in regulating water flow. Deforestation
can lead to floods and droughts.
 ○ Climate Change: Trees absorb carbon
dioxide, a greenhouse gas. Deforestation
increases atmospheric CO2, contributing to
global warming.
6.Importance of Groundwater: Groundwater is
water stored underground in saturated rock and
soil layers. It's crucial for:

○ Drinking Water: Source of potable water for

millions worldwide.
○ Agriculture: Irrigation for crops.
○ Ecosystem Functioning: Maintains
baseflow in rivers and streams, supporting
aquatic life.
○ Regulation: Helps regulate water levels and
prevent flooding.
7.Megadiversity Countries: These countries hold
a significant portion of the world's biodiversity:

○ Brazil (Atlantic Forest, Amazon Rainforest)

○ Colombia (Andes Mountains)
○ Indonesia (Sumatra, Borneo, New Guinea)
○ Madagascar
○ Mexico (Mesoamerican Barrier Reef)
 8.Critically Endangered Animals in India: (This
list may vary depending on the source)

○ Great Indian Bustard

○ Forest Owlet
○ Sumatran Orangutan
○ Bengal Florican
○ Snow Leopard
9.Ozone Layer Depletion: The ozone layer in the
stratosphere protects life on Earth from harmful
ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Ozone depletion is
caused by human-made chemicals like
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). This leads to
increased UV radiation reaching the Earth's
surface, causing:

○ Skin cancer
○ Cataracts
○ Damage to ecosystems
1

Sec-C: Environmental Challenges and Solutions

1.Forest Ecosystem Characteristics:

Forests are complex ecosystems with distinct layers:
* **Canopy:** The uppermost layer, formed by the
crowns of tall trees, intercepting most sunlight.
* **Understory:** The layer below the canopy with
smaller trees, shrubs, and vines.
* **Forest Floor:** The ground covered by fallen
leaves, litter, and decomposers.

Forests play a vital role in:

* **Climate Regulation:** Absorb carbon dioxide
(CO2) and release oxygen (O2), mitigating climate
change.
* **Water Cycle:** Regulate water flow, preventing
floods and droughts.
* **Soil Conservation:** Prevent soil erosion and
maintain fertility.
* **Biodiversity:** Provide habitat for a vast array of
plants and animals.

2.Drought Causes and Effects:

Causes:
 ● Reduced Precipitation: Below-average rainfall
over an extended period.
● Climate Change: Rising temperatures can
increase evaporation and decrease precipitation.
● Deforestation: Forests play a crucial role in the
water cycle. Their loss disrupts rainfall patterns.
Effects:
● Water Scarcity: Reduced water availability for
drinking, agriculture, and industry.
● Agricultural Loss: Crops fail due to lack of
water, impacting food security.
● Wildfires: Increased risk of wildfires due to dry
vegetation.
● Economic Impacts: Losses in agriculture and
tourism can severely impact economies.
3.Floods Causes and Effects:
Causes:
● Heavy Precipitation: Excessive rainfall over a
short period or prolonged moderate rainfall.
● Rapid Snowmelt: Quick melting of snow due to
high temperatures can overwhelm river
channels.
 ● Deforestation: Forests absorb and slow down
rainwater. Their loss leads to increased runoff
and flash floods.
● Blocked Drainage: Blocked waterways due to
human activities can exacerbate flooding.
Effects:
● Loss of Life and Property: Floods can cause
fatalities, displacement, and damage to
infrastructure.
● Agricultural Damage: Crops can be destroyed,
impacting food security.
● Spread of Disease: Floods can contaminate
water sources and increase the risk of disease
outbreaks.
● Economic Impacts: Costs associated with
repairs, rescue efforts, and lost productivity can
be significant.
4.10 Biogeographic Zones of India:

5.Trans-Himalayan zone

6.Himalayan zone
7.Indus Valley Desert zone

8.Semi-arid zone

9.Gangetic Plains zone

10. Deccan Peninsula zone

11. Coasts and Islands zone

12. Andaman & Nicobar Islands zone

13. Western Ghats zone

14. Eastern Ghats zone

15. Threats to Biodiversity:

● Habitat Loss: Deforestation, urbanization, and

infrastructure development destroy habitats.
● Overexploitation: Unsustainable hunting,
fishing, and resource extraction deplete
populations.
 ● Pollution: Chemical contaminants disrupt
ecosystems and harm wildlife.
● Invasive Species: Introduced species can
outcompete native species, disrupting
ecosystems.
● Climate Change: Rising temperatures,
changing precipitation patterns, and ocean
acidification threaten species and ecosystems.
6.Scope and Multidisciplinary Nature of
Environmental Studies:
Environmental studies encompass a wide range of
disciplines to understand human-environment
interactions. It includes:
* **Ecology:** Study of ecosystems and how
organisms interact with their environment.
* **Pollution Science:** Examines contaminants,
their impact, and mitigation strategies.
* **Conservation Biology:** Focuses on preserving
biodiversity and threatened species.
* **Resource Management:** Sustainable
management of natural resources like forests and
water.
* **Environmental Policy and Law:** Addresses
environmental regulations and policies.

This multidisciplinary approach is crucial for

comprehending complex environmental problems
and developing solutions.
7.Importance of the Chipko Movement:
The Chipko movement (chipko meaning "to hug")
was a nonviolent protest movement in India during
the 1970s. Villagers embraced trees to prevent their
felling. The movement's significance includes:
● Raising Awareness: Brought public attention to
deforestation and its consequences.
● Environmental Protection: Played a vital role
in protecting Himalayan forests.
● Women's Participation: Empowered women to
take a leadership role in environmental activism.
● Inspiration for Others: Inspired similar
movements around the world

8.What is acid rain and what are the its impact on

human commuinities and agriculture? Give Me
The Correct Answer For This Question
Show drafts

Acid Rain: A Threat to Ecosystems and

Communities
Acid rain is precipitation (rain, snow, sleet, or fog)
that is more acidic than normal. It forms when sulfur
dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) - pollutants
mainly released from burning fossil fuels in power
plants and vehicles - react with water vapor in the
atmosphere.
Here's how acid rain impacts human communities
and agriculture:
● Impact on Agriculture:

○ Soil Acidification: Acid rain leaches away

essential nutrients from the soil, making it
less fertile and hindering plant growth.
○ Aluminum Release: Acid rain can release
harmful aluminum from the soil, further
inhibiting plant root function and nutrient
uptake.
 ○ Reduced Crop Yields: Overall, acid rain
can lead to decreased crop yields and
agricultural productivity.
● Impact on Human Communities:

○ Drinking Water Contamination: Acid rain

can increase the acidity of lakes and
streams used for drinking water supplies.
While not a direct health threat itself, it can
necessitate additional treatment to make the
water safe for consumption.
○ Infrastructure Damage: Acid rain can
accelerate the corrosion of buildings,
bridges, and statues made of stone or metal.
This can lead to costly repairs and
maintenance.
○ Indirect Health Impacts: While the direct
health effects of acid rain exposure on
humans are not well-established, the
increased air pollution that contributes to
acid rain can worsen respiratory problems
like asthma.
Efforts to Reduce Acid Rain:
Regulations to control sulfur dioxide and nitrogen
oxide emissions from power plants and industries
have significantly reduced acid rain in many parts of
the world. This highlights the importance of
environmental policies and clean energy
technologies in mitigating such environmental
problems.